Short ski breaks for all the family

Skiing as a family means all sorts of things to consider before you even set a ski on the slopes. From the kids' packing and ski hire to crèche facilities and the quality of the ski school, there is a lot of think about.

But with a little careful planning, it is possible to have hassle-free short ski breaks in the Alps without breaking the bank or falling out.

Can you give us a lift?

At many resorts, the cost of a lift pass is the same for children as for adults. In Switzerland, skiing is half price for children under 16, while more than 50 resorts including Zermatt offer free skiing to kids up to age nine.

It's a pleasure-dome

Avoriaz ski breaks this winter will have something new and, for children at least, truly amazing.

The French ski resort is taking the idea of an all-inclusive ski holiday to a new level with the opening of the 2,400 sqm indoor water park Aquariaz. It's the biggest thing of its kind in the Alps and will keep kids entertained even if the weather is shocking.

Family friendly is not the last resort

Some resorts have a reputation for being family-friendly, others for being expensive and for young couples seeking great apres-ski. Look beyond the headlines, however, and the likes of St Anton, Zermatt and Val d'Isere have a lot to offer families.

"In Zermatt, the skiing is endless but they also have a skating rink, gorgeous horse-drawn carriages, train travel and then a car-free resort all to help make life with children more fun and easy," says Vanessa Fisher, public relations consultant from the Ski Club of Great Britain.

"In St Anton, the pretty village and its central slopes are good for families. Val d'Isere has some excellent ski schools that cater for children and also a good selection of easy slopes at the base of the ski area."

To find out more about how you can book a family ski break, call one of our ski experts on 023 8020 6971 or email sales@skiweekends.com.

Posted by Thomas McKinnon